Modular skylight frame and system

ABSTRACT

A pre-assembled skylight frame module and system is provided. A module includes opposed first and second skylight mounts, each including opposed rafters and opposed purlins to define a rectangular aperture between them. The skylight frame module includes an obtuse angle between the two attached first and second skylight mounts. The skylight mounts are adapted for receipt of pre-assembled skylight assemblies. The skylight frame module is configured for side-by-side attachment to adjacent such skylight frame modules, to provide a skylight frame assembly. The skylight system may be adapted to a variety of skylight openings by varying the rafter and purlin lengths and the angle between the connected skylight mounts.

BACKGROUND

Skylights are useful and popular features in buildings. Allowing naturallighting to the interior of buildings, skylights are used withresidences, schools, shopping malls, office buildings, and the like.

A skylight involves an opening through the roof of a building, abovewhich is constructed a perimeter curb for support of the skylight aboutthe opening upon the roof. Construction of the skylight itself, underexisting systems, may involve erection and interconnection of variousstruts, standards, beams, channels, gutters, and the like above thecurb. Thereafter, glazing units may be installed and weatherproofed tothe constructed frame assembly. Such weatherproofing might involve wetglazing, often undertaken on the job site by professional glaziers.Alternatively, dry glazing may be used, in which a complicated series ofgaskets and seals are installed. Dry glazing is considered inferior bysome in the market, in that it requires numerous parts that must befitted together exactly, it is aesthetically complicated, and itrequires increased maintenance. On the other hand, wet glazing on thejob site may be problematic, in that professionally-trained glaziersmust be located and retained, job quality may be irregular, and laterresponsibility for leaks or failure may be disputed between varioustradesmen or material suppliers.

Assembly of existing skylight systems is primarily completed on the jobsite itself. Lacking standardization, various pieces and parts arebrought to the site, along with the requisite relatively large number oftools for the assembly. So located, the skylight system is thenconstructed, piece by piece, over the sometimes large and alwaysdangerous opening in the roof. Moreover, existing gabled skylightsystems often produce lateral loading upon the mounting structure, suchas the roof curb, which requires more than minimal professional designand engineering considerations. Of course, the tooling costs necessaryto produce the various pieces and parts of existing skylight systems isnot insignificant, as numerous parts, often of varying configurations,must be manufactured.

Once assembled, existing skylight systems often suffer from inferiordrainage features. As an outside structure, skylight systems are exposedto rain and must shed that rain in an efficient and effective manner,yet existing systems often provide for inefficient or inelegant, andunattractive, drainage systems.

Transportation of the skylight system to the job site is required.Accordingly, the transportability of the various components comprised bythe skylight system is an issue to be considered in design. Furthermore,the skylight system must be moved to the roof of the building forinstallation, which presents another transportability issue. Forexample, a system so bulky and cumbersome that a crane is required forlifting the system from a truck to a rooftop is less desirable than asystem in which components may be handled manually by workers on site.

It is also recognized that pre-assembled individual single unit skylightlens assemblies involving a single light aperture, have reached a highlevel of sophistication, engineering, and reliability. Such units aredelivered complete from the factory. Glazing of the light panels hasalready been completed, under controlled, standardized conditions in afactory by workers with specialized expertise. Installation has beensimplified, and performance of these units installed in the field hasbeen superior. Such skylight lens assemblies are available pre-assembledin several standard sizes, such as 2×2 feet, 2×4 feet, 3×3 feet, 4×4feet, and 4×6 feet. Several models of such skylights include anintegrated flashing system, weatherproofing the entire assembly. Anexample of such a skylight lens assembly is disclosed in applicationSer. No. 10/612,386, entitled “Skylight With Sealing Gasket,” owned bythe same Assignee as the present invention and incorporated herein byreference.

Accessories, such as awnings, shades, blinds, electrochromic mechanisms,and photovoltaic systems, are available for some single unit skylights.Existing skylight systems may not provide for the inclusion of suchaccessories, either in allowing for attachment of such systems orproviding for structural support of the added weight of such systems, orproviding for efficient or aesthetic wiring of electrically poweredaccessories.

The present invention relates to improvements upon the known skylightframe systems and provides distinct advantages over the conventionalsystems and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In response to the discussed difficulties and problems, a new skylightframe and system has been discovered.

Certain aspects of the present invention provide for a pre-assembledskylight frame module, to be installed upon new construction or inretrofitting a newer skylight to an existing structure.

As used herein, “pre-assembled” is understood to mean a constructionthat is fabricated and assembled distant from the installation site atwhich the skylight system is to be mounted.

According to certain aspects of the present invention, a first skylightmount is provided. The first skylight mount includes opposed first andsecond rafters and opposed upper and lower purlins, the rafters andpurlins interconnected to define a rectangular aperture between them.Likewise, a second skylight mount is provided, it, too, including firstand second opposed rafters, and upper and lower opposed purlins, therafters and purlins interconnected to define a rectangular aperturebetween them. The first skylight mount is attached to the secondskylight mount along the respective upper purlins. Attachment of thefirst skylight mount to the second skylight mount at the respectiveupper purlins may define an angle between the first and second skylightmounts ranging from 90 degrees to 180 degrees. Such attachment may besubstantially rigid.

Each of the two skylight mounts of the pre-assembled skylight framemodule may be configured for engagement with a pre-assembled skylightlens assembly, of predetermined size, over each of the rectangularapertures of the skylight mounts.

Other aspects of the present invention also provide that thecross-sectional configuration of the upper and lower purlins may besubstantially the same. Likewise, the cross-sectional configurations ofthe first and second rafters may be substantially the same.

The lower purlins may include a hinge member adapted for attachment to aroof curb hinge. The roof curb hinge, so used, may attach thepre-assembled skylight frame module to the roof curb or other mountingstructure upon the building roof. In one embodiment, the lower purlinsof the skylight mounts may include within their structure a hinge memberadapted for attachment to a roof curb hinge.

The skylight mounts, constructed of the rafters and purlins, may includea top wall configured for abutment with a skylight lens assembly gasketof a pre-assembled skylight lens assembly.

Adapted for receipt of a pre-assembled skylight lens assembly, thepre-assembled skylight frame modules of the present invention mayinclude a screw receiver for receipt of screw attachment of thepre-assembled skylight assemblies to the skylight mounts.

Channels within the rafters of the skylight mounts may also be provided.Similarly, the purlins of the skylight mounts may include channels.

Further, at least one of the skylight frame modules of the presentinvention may be adapted for attachment of skylight accessories, such asawnings, shades, blinds, electrochromic mechanisms and photovoltaicsystems.

According to certain other aspects of the present invention, a skylightframe system is provided, comprising at least two pre-assembled skylightframe modules. Such pre-assembled skylight frame modules are configuredfor side-by-side installation, each such module including a first andsecond skylight mount. Each of the first and second skylight mountsinclude opposed rafters, an upper purlin and an opposed lower purlins,the rafters and purlins interconnected to define a rectangular aperturebetween them. Within such skylight frame system, each first and secondskylight mounts are attached together at their respective upper purlins.Such attachment may be at an obtuse angle, thereby forming a gable, ormay be at 180 degrees. Further, the rafters between the modules areconfigured for attachment one to the other, for instance at the jobsite. The attachment of the first skylight mount and the second skylightmount may be substantially rigid, for instance by welding.

Each of the first and second skylight mounts are adapted for engagementwith a pre-assembled skylight lens assembly, of predetermined size, overthe rectangular apertures.

Some of the rafters of the skylight mounts may include within them asecondary gutter, for drainage of water.

At least one of the lower purlins of one of the skylight mounts of theskylight frame system herein may include a hinge member adapted forattachment to a roof curb hinge. Alternatively, a hinge may be connectedwith at least one of the lower purlins for hingeable attachment to aroof curb.

The rafters of the skylight mounts of the within skylight frame systemmay have substantially the same cross-sectional configuration. Likewise,the purlins may have substantially the same cross-sectionalconfiguration.

The skylight frame system disclosed herein may include skylight framemodules in which at least one of the rafters is configured to engagewith another rafter of an adjacent module upon installation of themodule side-by-side, one of the rafters having a male member and theadjacent rafter having a complementary female member configured toengage with the male member.

The skylight frame system may also include channels within the rafters,or within the purlins, or within both.

The skylight frame system disclosed herein also may include, with atleast one of the skylight frame modules, configuration for attachment ofskylight accessories.

The rafters and purlins of the skylight mounts of the skylight framemodules of the within skylight frame system may include a top wallconfigured for abutment with a gasket carried by a pre-assembledskylight lens assembly. Similarly, the rafters and purlins may alsoinclude a screw receiver for receipt of screw attachment of apre-assembled skylight system.

Structural and operational details of preferred designs of the modularskylight frame and system and components embodying the invention andadvantages obtained thereby will become apparent from the appendeddrawings and the detailed description to follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The aspects described above, as well as other apparent aspects,advantages, and objectives of the present invention are apparent fromthe detailed description below in combination with the drawings. Itshould be noted that the appended drawings are not necessarily to scalein all instances, but may have exaggerated dimensions in some respect toillustrate the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective, partially disassembled view of a modularskylight system in accordance with certain aspects of the presentinvention, with two pre-assembled skylight systems installed thereuponalong with two accessories;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modular skylight frame suitable foruse in the system of FIG. 1, or alone;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line B-B inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of one exemplary embodiment of oneaspect of the present invention, taken along line B-B in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of an alternative exemplaryembodiment, taken along line B-B in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment, taken along lineC-C in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an alternative exemplaryembodiment, taken along line C-C in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary embodiment,taken along line D-D in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view, taken along line E-E inFIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which areillustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way ofexplanation of the invention, and is not meant as a limitation of theinvention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of oneembodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still furtherembodiment. It is intended that this application includes suchmodifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of theinvention. Repeat use of reference characters throughout the presentspecification and appended drawings is intended to represent the same oranalogous features or elements of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a modular skylight frame systemin accordance with certain aspects of the present invention. The framesystem, generally 10, is adapted for installation about an openingthrough a building roof. The frame system 10 may be used with newconstruction or may be used to retrofit a newer skylight system to anexisting building structure. The system depicted in FIG. 1 illustratessix skylight apertures and, as will be appreciated from the descriptionbelow, is constructed of three skylight frame modules. For illustrationpurposes, two lens assemblies 20 are depicted on FIG. 1. Likewise, eachof the skylight lens assemblies 20 upon system 10 may include anaccessory 84.

FIG. 2 illustrates a modular skylight frame 15. Modular skylight frame15 includes first skylight mount 18 and second skylight mount 19. Eachof the skylight mounts includes an upper purlin 30 and a lower purlin40. Likewise, each of the two skylight mounts includes a left rafter 50and a right rafter 60. The rafters and purlins of each skylight mountare interconnected to define rectangular apertures therebetween;aperture 23 is defined within first skylight mount 18 and aperture 24 isdefined within second skylight mount 19.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, upper purlins 30 of the respective skylightmounts 18 and 19 are attached at purlin juncture 17. Such attachment maybe by weldment or by mechanical connection. In the illustratedembodiment, purlin juncture 17 is configured to define angle A betweenfirst skylight mount 18 and second skylight mount 19, thereby forming agable.

It will be appreciated that system 10 depicted in FIG. 1 comprises threeskylight frame modules 15, interconnected side-by-side. Within the scopeof this invention, combinations of skylight frame modules 15, ofmatching rafter lengths and of either equal or varying purlin lengths,may be used to constitute system 10. FIG. 3A, taken at line B-B in FIG.1, illustrates the attachment of a left rafter 50 of one such skylightmodule with a right rafter 60 of an adjacent skylight module. Asdepicted in FIG. 3A, left rafter 50 is abutted against right rafter 60.Left rafter 50 may be attached to right rafter 60 by a variety of means,including bolting, or by male-female interfitting configurations as willbe described below with reference to FIG. 3C. Still with reference toFIG. 3A, rafters 50, 60 are understood to include rafter grooves 51.Rafter grooves 51 are adapted for receipt of screw attachment ofpre-assembled skylight lens assemblies 20 upon the skylight mounts. Suchscrews may be passed through the flashing or other mounting structuresof the pre-assembled skylight assemblies, and received within raftergrooves 51 for secure attachment of such pre-assembled skylightassemblies to the modular skylight frame system 10.

Rafters 50, 60 may also be understood to include secondary gutters 52.Secondary gutters 52, disposed lower than skylights mounted upon rafters50, 60, are configured for receipt of water from above and shedding ofsuch water out of the skylight system 10. Such water is prevented fromentering beneath the skylight assembly 10 by gutter cap 53, whichbridges between the two secondary gutters 52 of rafters 50, 60.

Also depicted in FIG. 3A is rafter cap 56. Rafter cap 56, in cooperationwith rafters 50, 60, forms channel 57. Rafter cap 56 may be installedafter wiring, insulation, or the like is passed through channel 57,thereby concealing such material from view and presenting anaesthetically appealing outer surface, and may be removable for lateraccess to channel 57. Such wiring may be utilized for accessories 84,such as awnings, shades, blinds, electrochromic mechanisms, andphotovoltaic systems.

With reference now to FIG. 3B, greater detail may be understood as toone embodiment of rafters 50, 60. As depicted therein, for example,rafter 50 may include a top wall 581. Top wall 581 may include a gasketregistration notch 32, adapted for receipt of a skylight gasket 21 of apre-assembled skylight lens assembly 20. First wall 581, in cooperationwith such a gasket 21, allows for a weatherproof seal between rafter 50and a skylight lens assembly 20.

Rafter 50 may also include interior wall 582. Interior wall 582 isinterior to system 10 and lies within the interior space of buildingupon which system 10 is installed.

Rafter 50 may also include a third wall 583, in a preferred embodimentgenerally perpendicular to first wall 581, and presented for attachmentto a skylight lens assembly 20 mounted thereon. Third wall 583 mayinclude rafter groove 51, for receipt of screw attachment of skylightlens assembly 20 to rafter 50.

Rafter 50 may also include a fourth wall 584, in a preferred embodimentgenerally perpendicular to third wall 583. Fifth wall 585 is connectedwith fourth wall 584, in a preferred embodiment generallyperpendicularly, and sixth wall 586 is connected to fifth wall 585generally perpendicularly in a preferred embodiment. Fifth wall 585 andsixth wall 586 form two of the three sides of secondary gutter 52.Secondary gutter 52 is completed by the upper extension of seventh wall587. Eighth wall 588, in a preferred embodiment, is oriented generallyperpendicularly and inwardly from seventh wall 587. Finally, ninth wall589 extends from eighth wall 588 to complete the cross-sectionalconfiguration of one embodiment of rafter 50.

As illustrated for example in FIG. 3B, a rafter cap 56 is depictedattached to rafter 50. Rafter cap 56 may be configured for snap-fitengagement with rafter cap cleats 590 on interior wall 582 and ninthwall 589.

In one embodiment, rafter 50 is attached to rafter 60 with rafter bolt54. Rafters 50, 60 may also include screw bosses 55, for receipt of thehead of rafter bolt 54. So configured, and with the use of washer 58,rafter 50 may be attached to rafter 60 with use of only a single wrench,as the head of rafter bolt 54 is kept by a screw boss 55.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, attachment together of rafters 50, 60 definebetween them a primary gutter 599. Primary gutter 599 is defined byrespective opposing walls 583, respective fourth walls 584, and guttercap 53.

With reference to FIG. 3B, it will be understood that rainwater fallingupon a skylight lens assembly 20 may be shed off of skylight lens frame22 toward fourth wall 584, and shed from system 10 by primary gutter599. From there, water is prevented from entering between rafters 50, 60by gutter cap 53. Instead, such water may be allowed to enter secondarygutter 52, and thereby be shed from the system 10.

FIG. 3C illustrates an alternative embodiment for attachment of adjacentrafters of modules 15. As depicted therein, left rafter 50′ is attachedto right rafter 60′. Such attachment is provided by receipt of flange 93within the gutter defined by alternative fifth wall 585′, alternativesixth wall 586′, and wall 594. Alternative seventh wall 587′ isconfigured to attach directly to alternative fourth wall 584,eliminating walls 585 and 586 from the alternative embodiment depictedin FIG. 3B, to create a hidden standing seam between rafters 50′, 60′.Such configuration allows for attachment of left rafter 50′ to rightrafter 60′ without use of nuts or other mechanical fasteners. Rainwaterfalling upon a skylight lens assembly 20 may be shed from skylight lensframe 22 to fourth wall 584′. Such rainwater would either be shed fromthe system by fourth wall 584′, or may enter between walls 585′ and 594,to be shed from the system.

Comparison of FIGS. 3B and 3C illustrate that, in one embodiment of thepresent invention depicted in FIG. 3B, left rafter 50 and right rafter60 may have cross-sections that are substantially identical. As such, abeam extruded or otherwise fabricated to form a left rafter 50 may beoriented reversely and thus form a right rafter 60, with the two rafters50, 60 thereby attachable one to the other. Alternatively, in theembodiment depicted in FIG. 3C, left rafter 50′ differs from rightrafter 60′, requiring a different extrusion or other formative process.

FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a purlin 40 attached to acurb 70. Purlin 40 may include a top wall 481, including a gasketregistration notch 32 for receipt of a skylight lens assembly gasket 21.Purlin 40 may also include an interior wall 482, oriented forpresentment to the interior of the skylight system 10 upon completion ofinstallation. Lower purlin 40 may also include third wall 483, disposedfrom the opposed end of top wall 481. Third wall 483 may include purlingroove 31, for receipt of screw attachment of a skylight lens assembly20. Oriented away from third wall 483 is fourth wall 484, in a preferredembodiment at a right outward angle from third wall 483. Fifth wall 487is attached to the end of fourth wall 484, in a preferred embodiment atapproximately right angle. Along the length of fifth wall 487 may beincluded counterflashing flange 496, for receipt of and attachment tocounterflashing 75. Attached to fifth wall 487 is a bottom wall 488, andextending from bottom wall 488 is lower wall 489. Interior wall 482 andbottom wall 489 may include cleats 490, for snap-fit engagement withpurlin cap 46. As will be observed, lower purlin 40 and purlin cap 46cooperate to form channel 491, adapted for receipt and concealment ofelectrical wiring, insulation, and the like.

Attached to bottom wall 488 may be male hinge piece 42, which may beattached with hinge bolt 45. It is to be understood that malehinge-piece 42 may be an elongated member, extending all or part of thelength of lower purlin 40. At installation, male hinge piece 42 isslidably installed within female hinge piece 43, and female hinge piece43 may then be bolted or screwed to curb 70, for example with curb bolt44. Disposed between curb 70 and female hinge piece 43 is curb flashing71. Curb flashing 71 includes inboard lip 72, configured to preventdrainage of condensation or water to the interior of a building andinstead to prompt drainage of such water outboard of system 10. Curbflashing 71 may also include outboard flange 73, for further protectionof curb 70 from water draining from curb flashing 71.

Lower purlin 40 may include a plurality of holes 499, for drainage ofcondensation from within system 10.

FIG. 4B illustrates an alternative embodiment of lower purlin 40, inwhich male hinge piece 42 is not a separate component to be bolted tolower purlin 40, but instead male hinge piece 498 is a part of andextends outwardly from alternative bottom wall 488′.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken at line D-D of FIG. 1, showingthe attachment of upper purlins 30 of two skylight mounts 18, 19 in askylight frame module 15. As shown therein, two upper purlins 30 areattached at purlin juncture 17. Purlin juncture 17 is understood to thepoint of proximity of the respective intersections 390 of walls 387 andbottoms 488 of the upper purlins 30 of skylight mounts 18, 19. Suchattachment may be by way of mechanical attachment (not shown) or byweldment. In the case of weldment, such weldment may be along theentirety of the lengths of upper purlins 30, or only a portion orportions of such length.

Also as shown in FIG. 5, an alternative purlin cap 46′ is depicted, forcomparison with purlin cap 46 depicted in FIG. 4A. Between upper purlin30 and purlin cap 46′ is defined channel 491.

Purlin juncture 17 is provided to attach upper purlins 30 at angle A.

Also as depicted in FIG. 5, top cap 16 is disposed at top walls 484 ofthe respective upper purlins 30 to prevent intrusion of water to purlinjuncture 17, and may be weatherproofed thereto with caulking, gasketing,or the like. Top cap 16 may be attached by conventional methods.

Comparison of lower purlin 40 in FIG. 4A to upper purlins 30 in FIG. 5reveals that the same cross-sectional configuration may be used forlower purlins 40 and upper purlins 30. Alternatively, differentcross-sectional configurations may be used, as revealed by comparison ofthe alternative lower purlin 40′ in FIG. 4B to the upper purlins 30 inFIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates the cross-sectional view of an exemplary end glazingpanel, to close the ends of the skylight system 10. As depicted therein,glazing rails 83 may carry glazing panels 85, and are configured forattachment to right rafter 60 and curb 70. An alternative end cap seal81 may be provided for attachment to right rafter 60, in snap-fitengagement to cleat 591 and glazing rail 83. Alternatively, solid panels(not shown) may be used to clear the ends of system 10. Ridge joint endcap 86 may be used in cooperation with top cap 16 to close the end ofsystem 10.

Consideration of the foregoing description illustrates that system 10may be adapted for a wide variety of skylight applications. For askylight opening of a given length and width, only three variables needbe considered. First, from the available, standardized pre-assembledskylight systems commercially available, which length and width may bechosen for the intended length and width of skylight opening. Once suchselection is made, angle A may be calculated. For example, an openingsix and a half feet wide and twenty feet long might result in theselection of standardized, pre-assembled 4×4 foot skylight assemblies.Angle A may then be calculated to be approximately 93 degrees, and fivepre-assembled skylight frame modules could be constructed accordingly.Thereafter, each such module approximately 4×6½ feet in footprint, couldbe stacked one atop the other, shipped to the site, carried by hand tothe skylight opening, and assembled thereon with simple and few tools.Thereafter, ten such 4×4 foot standardized pre-assembled skylightassemblies could be installed upon the constructed skylight framesystem. Male hinge piece 42 (FIG. 4A) and female hinge piece 43 allowfor a broad range of such gable angles A, such as 90° to 180°, andattachment of upper purlins 30 together result in a rigid frameproducing minimal lateral stress upon curb 70.

System 10 provides for superior drainage of rainwater from system 10.For example, rainwater falling upon top cap 16 would be shed to fourthwall 484 (FIG. 3B). Such rainwater may flow from fourth wall 484, or mayflow into secondary gutters 52. In either event, such rainwater wouldflow from the rafters 50, 60 and be disposed outboard of system 10 uponcounter flashing lip 76 (FIG. 4A) to the roof.

It will also be observed that the skylight mounts 18, 19 (FIG. 2, forexample) also are adapted for receipt of accessories. For example,rafters 50, 60 are structurally rigid to support such systems and arecapable of accepting interior shade accessories. The pre-assembledskylight frame modules 15 are also capable of accepting exterior awningaccessories and the like. Furthermore, upper purlins 30 and lowerpurlins 40 are structurally rigid to support hinges and electricalventilation operators, for opening the skylight lens assemblies 20 forexample.

While the invention shown herein is capable of attaining the objects ofthe invention, it is to be understood that it is the presently preferredembodiments of the present invention and is thus representative of thesubject matter that is broadly contemplated. It is to be furtherunderstood that the scope of the present invention fully encompassesother embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art.It is intended that the present invention include such modifications andvariations as come within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents, in which reference to an element in the singular is notintended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, butrather “one or more.”

1. A pre-assembled skylight frame module, comprising: a first skylightmount, said first skylight mount including a first rafter and an opposedsecond rafter, an upper purlin defining a purlin length and an opposedlower purlin, said first and second rafters and upper and lower purlinsof said first skylight mount interconnected to define a firstrectangular aperture therebetween, a second skylight mount, said secondskylight mount including a first rafter and an opposed second rafter, anupper purlin defining a purlin length and an opposed lower purlin, saidfirst and second rafters and upper and lower purlins of said secondskylight mount interconnected to define a second rectangular aperturetherebetween, said first skylight mount attached to said second skylightmount along said purlin lengths of respective said upper purlins.
 2. Thepre-assembled skylight frame module of claim 1, wherein said attachmentof said first skylight mount and said second skylight mount defines anobtuse angle between said first and second skylight mounts.
 3. Thepre-assembled skylight frame module of claim 1, wherein said attachmentof said first skylight mount and said second skylight mount issubstantially rigid.
 4. The pre-assembled skylight frame module of claim1, wherein each of said first and second skylight mounts is configuredfor engagement with a pre-assembled skylight lens assembly ofpredetermined size over said rectangular aperture.
 5. The pre-assembledskylight frame module of claim 1, wherein each said upper purlin definesa cross-sectional configuration and said lower purlin definessubstantially the same cross-sectional configuration.
 6. Thepre-assembled skylight frame module of claim 1, wherein each said firstrafter defines a cross-sectional configuration and said second rafterdefines substantially the same cross-sectional configuration.
 7. Thepre-assembled skylight frame module of claim 1, wherein at least one ofsaid lower purlins includes a hinge member adapted for attachment to aroof curb hinge.
 8. The pre-assembled skylight frame module of claim 1,further including at least one hinge connected with at least one of saidlower purlin for hingeable attachment to a roof curb.
 9. Thepre-assembled skylight frame module of claim 1, wherein said rafters andpurlins include a top wall configured for abutment with a skylight lensassembly gasket.
 10. The pre-assembled skylight frame module of claim 1,wherein said rafters and purlins include a screw receiver for receipt ofscrew attachments from a skylight system.
 11. The pre-assembled skylightframe module of claim 1, wherein at least one of said rafters defines achannel therein.
 12. The pre-assembled skylight frame module of claim 1,wherein at least one of said purlins defines a channel therein.
 13. Thepre-assembled skylight frame module of claim 1, wherein at least one ofsaid pre-assembled skylight frame modules is adapted for attachment ofskylight accessories.
 14. A skylight frame system, comprising: at leasttwo pre-assembled skylight frame modules for side-by-side installation,each said module including: a first skylight mount, said first skylightmount including opposed rafters, an upper purlin and an opposed lowerpurlin, said rafters and purlins interconnected to define a rectangularaperture therebetween, a second skylight mount, said second skylightmount including opposed rafters, an upper purlin and an opposed lowerpurlin, said rafters and purlins interconnected to define a rectangularaperture therebetween, said first skylight mount attached to said secondskylight mount at respective said upper purlins, wherein adjacent saidrafters between said modules are configured for attachment one to theother.
 15. The skylight frame system of claim 14, wherein saidattachment of said first skylight mount and said second skylight mountdefines an obtuse angle between said first and second skylight mounts.16. The skylight frame system of claim 14, wherein said attachment ofsaid first skylight mount and said second skylight mount issubstantially rigid.
 17. The skylight frame system of claim 14, whereineach of said first and second skylight mounts are each adapted forengagement with a pre-assembled skylight lens assembly of predeterminedsize over said rectangular aperture.
 18. The skylight frame system ofclaim 14, wherein at least one of said rafters defines therein asecondary gutter.
 19. The skylight frame system of claim 14, wherein atleast one of said lower purlins includes a hinge member adapted forattachment to a roof curb hinge.
 20. The skylight frame system of claim14, further including a hinge connected with at least one said lowerpurlin for hingeable attachment to a roof curb.
 21. The skylight framesystem of claim 14, wherein each said first rafter of a said skylightmount defines a cross-sectional configuration and each said secondrafter defines substantially the same cross-sectional configuration. 22.The skylight frame system of claim 14, wherein each said upper purlin ofa said skylight mount defines a cross-sectional configuration and eachsaid lower purlin defines substantially the same cross-sectionalconfiguration.
 23. The skylight frame system of claim 14, wherein eachsaid module includes at least one said rafter disposed for engagementwith at least one rafter of an adjacent said module upon saidside-by-side installation, one of said rafters of one of said modulesincluding a male member and the adjacent said rafter of the adjacentsaid module including a female member configured for engagement withsaid male member.
 24. The skylight frame system of claim 14, wherein atleast one of said rafters defines a channel therein.
 25. The skylightframe system of claim 14, wherein at least one of said purlins defines achannel therein.
 26. The skylight frame system of claim 14, wherein saidat least one of said pre-assembled skylight frame modules is adapted forattachment of skylight accessories.
 27. The skylight frame system ofclaim 14, wherein said rafters and purlins include a top wall configuredfor abutment with a gasket carried by a skylight lens assembly.
 28. Theskylight frame system of claim 14, wherein said rafters and purlinsinclude a screw receiver for receipt of screw attachments from askylight system.
 29. A skylight frame system, comprising: at least twopre-assembled skylight frame modules for side-by-side installation, eachsaid module including: a first skylight mount, said first skylight mountincluding a first rafter and a second rafter parallel to said firstrafter, said first skylight mount further including an upper purlin anda lower purlin parallel therebetween and perpendicular to said first andsecond rafters, said rafters and purlins defining an opening therein ofpredetermined dimensions, a second skylight mount, said second skylightmount including a first rafter and a second rafter parallel to saidfirst rafter, said second skylight mount further including an upperpurlin and a lower purlin parallel therebetween and perpendicular tosaid first and second rafters, said rafters and purlins defining anopening therein of predetermined dimensions and an outside perimetertherearound, respective said upper purlins of said first and secondskylight mounts substantially rigidly attached to define a predeterminedangle between said first and second skylight mounts, said first andsecond skylight mounts each adapted for receipt of a pre-assembledskylight lens assembly of predetermined size over said opening, said atleast two pre-assembled skylight frame modules configured for attachmentone to the other.
 30. The skylight frame system of claim 29, furtherincluding a male hinge member upon at least one of said lower purlins ofsaid skylight mounts adapted for attachment to a receiving hinge memberupon a roof curb.
 31. The skylight frame system of claim 29, wherein atleast one of said lower purlins is attached to a hinge for connection toa roof curb.
 32. The skylight frame system of claim 29, wherein saidrafters and purlins include a top wall configured for abutment with agasket carried by a skylight lens assembly.
 33. The skylight framesystem of claim 29, wherein at least one of said rafters defines asecondary gutter therein.
 34. The skylight frame system of claim 29,wherein said rafters and purlins include a screw receiver for receipt ofscrew attachments from a skylight system.
 35. The skylight frame systemof claim 29, wherein said rafters and purlins are configured formechanical engagement with a skylight lens assembly.
 36. The skylightframe system of claim 29, wherein each said module includes at least onesaid rafter disposed for engagement with at least one rafter of anadjacent said module upon said side-by-side installation, one of saidrafters of one of said modules including a male member and the adjacentsaid rafter of the adjacent said module including a female memberconfigured for engagement with said male member.
 37. The skylight framesystem of claim 29, wherein at least one of said rafters defines achannel therein.
 38. The skylight frame system of claim 29, wherein atleast one of said purlins defines a channel therein.
 39. The skylightframe system of claim 29, wherein said at least one of saidpre-assembled skylight frame modules is adapted for attachment ofskylight accessories.
 40. The skylight frame system of claim 29, furtherincluding a top ridge cap over said attachment of said purlins.
 41. Theskylight frame system of claim 29, wherein each said upper purlin of asaid skylight frame mount defines a cross-sectional configuration andeach said lower purlin defines substantially the same cross-sectionalconfiguration.
 42. The skylight frame system of claim 29, wherein eachsaid first rafter of a said skylight frame mount defines across-sectional configuration and each said second rafter definessubstantially the same cross-sectional configuration.